Have been talking to a male young lawyer of only 1 year practice. He has not seen salary from his boss(FEMALE) for now over 8months. He has been paid by insults and ignominious words. He was interviewed and listed as her best choice. But now seen unproductive. It’s HELL there.
WHEN I LOST $20,000 IN DR CONGO
In the early days of 2009, my entrepreneurial spirit yearned for international expansion. By 2011, I emboldened by this desire, decided to venture into the unexplored territory of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). My ambition found me securing an appointment with the Governor of North Kivu in Goma and the Governor of South Kivu in Bukavu.
Our journey began on March 22, 2011. We left Kampala and spent the night in Kabale. Early the next morning, we reached the border in Bunagana. As we completed our immigration formalities, I received a call from Colonel Padiri, the commander of North Kivu. Understanding the security risks along the route to Goma, he graciously arranged for a full truck of soldiers to escort us.
Within 2-3 hours, we arrived in Goma, where we checked into Ihusi Hotel located on Avenue De La Corniche at the northern shores of Lake Kivu. That evening the real activity began. High-profile meetings ensued, marked by a large entourage of nearly 20 escorts per official. Hosting these meetings was not cheap; each gathering saw us spending approximately $500 on food and drinks for the entire entourage. This pattern persisted for 14 days.
Our primary objective was to secure a contract for road construction supervision. By the fifth day in Goma, we finally secured a meeting and dinner with the Governor of North Kivu. The Governor, a remarkably young and pleasant gentleman, gave us the green light for the project. We promptly prepared all necessary proposals and even a draft contract. However, despite the positive initial response, nothing materialized, and we continuously followed up for the entire duration of our stay, traveling back and forth between Bukavu and Goma.
By the end of our 14-day ordeal, I had expended $20,000, mostly on hotel accommodations for my team and the cost of entertaining guests and their military escorts. Despite the financial loss and the unfruitful outcome, this venture marked a significant milestone as my first international business development trip outside Uganda.
Rather than feeling discouraged, this experience fueled my determination. It inspired me to venture further afield. Our perseverance led us to Rwanda, where in 2012, we successfully secured a water and sanitation project. This was followed by a slew of projects: four university projects in Malawi under the African Development Bank, and ventures into Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and more recently, Mozambique.
This year, our sights are set on fully entering the markets of South Sudan and Ethiopia. The journey of international business is fraught with challenges, but each setback only serves as a stepping stone towards greater achievements.
Instead of fighting over the Limited deals in Uganda, Companies need to set eyes on the horizons across the borders, you will be surprised how much is out there.
Joel Aita
Joadah Consult
Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once it slips, however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable.
@reezi02 @SilverKayondo@URAuganda@jnkomaho You also have to consider the country's level and stage of development ,before you impose capitalistic tax policies.